1939: Bowling

As far back as man has record, evidence of some phase of bowling has been discovered. The more modern game, however, is believed to have been begun in Northern Italy. The present-day game of bocci ball, an Italian sport, is a direct descendant. In the United States bowling is as old as the nation itself, older, in fact. For it was practiced by the early settlers on these shores and the skill and aptitude which they achieved in knocking down pins (there were but nine in those days) proved to be the game's eventual downfall.

The State of Massachusetts first banned bowling because it did not come up to its Puritanical requirements for entertainment. Shortly thereafter, Massachusetts, together with New York and Connecticut, declared bowling illegal for a much more tangible reason — gambling. But no sooner did the law against ninepins take effect, than devotees added a tenth pin, there being no law against tenpins, and playing continued with betting unabated — but in a 'back room' environment.

It was not until 1890 that a movement was made to lift the sport from the gutter. On the evening of Sept. 9, 1895, a group of high-minded persons met in old Beethoven Hall in New York City with one purpose in mind — to make bowling as clean and grand a sport as ever prospered. The result was the founding of the American Bowling Congress.

That those who organized the Congress so many years ago had the right ideas is clearly reflected in the present constitution of the American Bowling Congress which, while larger from many additions, contains the identical expressions and is dedicated to the same purpose. Alterations in the original constitution were made only at the dictates of changing social and economic conditions.

The Congress, since its inception, has insisted on the uniformity of all bowling rules and regulations and of all dimensions and specifications respecting bowling balls and alleys. All bowling alleys certified by the Congress must be the same length, the same width, must have the same gutter depth and be free of depressions over 40/1000ths of an inch. All pin spots must be exactly 12 in, apart and many other minute details must be made to coincide with Congress specifications. A bowling ball may not weigh over 16 pounds or be over 27 in, in circumference. All other laws pertaining to the game are likewise regulated by the Congress.

As the game increased in popularity and bowling establishments were cleaned up, women became frequenters of tenpin resorts. Now over a million American women bowl; their game is supervised by the Women's International Bowling Congress. Their presence has effected a remarkable change, and the modern alley is a marble-halled palace compared with its prototype.

One of the purposes of the Congress, to promote good fellowship, is accomplished through the staging of annual tournaments: one national, conducted by the Congress, the others city and state. The Congress first tournament, held in Chicago in 1901, drew 41 teams. Compare that figure with the 2,443 teams which competed in the 1930 classic in Cleveland; or with the more than 5,000 expected at Detroit when the 1940 Tournament opens on March 7.

The regulation and sanction of leagues and teams has brought about a most hearty increase in numbers just in late years. Where in 1930 the Congress was composed of 4,806 leagues, 1940's figures show 14,195; and where there were 43,901 teams represented in these leagues in 1930, today teams total 125,000.

The American Bowling Congress has affiliations in Shanghai, China, Mexico City, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. It has helped the spread of bowling. Until the current season, when war forced its cancellation, a huge international bowling tournament had been held in Europe every three years. This year's tournament was scheduled for Helsingfors, capital of Finland.

Taken out of the 'back room' classification and placed in pleasant and wholesome surroundings, bowling has become a social function — and the pastime of 15,000,000 Americans.

Champions for 1939, at the 39th Bowling Congress held in Cleveland, Ohio, March 9 to May 5, were as follows: Singles — James Danek, 730; All-events — Joe Wilman, 2,028; Doubles — Murray Fowler, Philip Icuss, 1,405.

Champions for 1939, at the 22nd Annual Women's International Bowling Congress held in Oklahoma City, Okla., during April and May, were as follows: Singles — Helen Helngstler, 626; All-events — Ruth Troy, 1,724; Doubles — Connie Powers and Bobby Reus, 1,130; Five-women team — Kornitz Pure Oil, 2,618.